Extrusion Engineer - Temp

Balchem•Faribault, MN

21h

About The Position

The Extrusion Engineer is a member of the R&D group that is based on Faribault, MN focusing on high-protein extruded food products such as crisps and texturized vegetable protein. This role is both a strategic and tactical in nature and is for someone who enjoys the challenge of bringing new products to market. Working closely with the members of R&D, operations and quality, the Product Development Scientist/Engineer will be leading technical projects related to high-protein extruded ingredients from concept to commercialization to meet business objectives. The role will be focused on the following activities, including but not limited to, project management for commercialization of new products, new product and process development on pilot as well as manufacturing scale, technical troubleshooting, specification development, product characterization including application testing.

Requirements

BS degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field required.
0-3 years of experience in process or product development and commercialization, focus on extrusion technology highly preferred
0-3 years of bench-top laboratory, formulation, and pilot plant experience preferred
Excellent communication, influencing, and problem-solving skills
Highly self-motivated individual comfortable working individually and able to manage multiple tasks and projects efficiently within the context of a fast-paced, busy environment
Proven success in applying prior learning or scientific principles to new situations
Ability to exhibit a collaborative mindset and apply innovative solutions are a must
Knowledge of Food Safety, HACCP preferred.
Previous experience in a food manufacturing setting is required.

Nice To Haves

Masters or previous plant experience preferred

Responsibilities

Lead and champion a culture of safety. Work safely and professionally complying with all company policies and procedures.
Demonstrates knowledge and expertise in product/process development, innovation, and extrusion operation.
Ensures diligence and expertise in development, scale up and commercialization of products and technologies.
Drives change in a complex, fast-paced business and production environment.
Shows exceptional conceptual, creative and analytic problem solving the ability to break down complex issues and simplify by focusing on what matters.
Shows technical and functional expertise and works cross functionally to solve broader business issues.
Understand the commercialization process with proven experience of its application.
Ability to learn new categories quickly and provide appropriate guidance.
Achieves end-to-end success by taking ideas from their conceptual stage to marketplace execution.
An experienced professional who believes that the consumer is the starting point for all R&D activities.
Have a proven track record of delivering extraordinary results.
Meet with customers as a technical expert as required.
Ensures diligence in development, scale up and commercialization of products and technologies.
Manage and lead all extrusion product development efforts from pilot to manufacturing including formulation, process development, processing capability, and specification development
Work closely with Operations, QA and functional business partners to troubleshoot issues with existing products and processes
Provide subject matter expertise: troubleshoot production problems relating to raw materials, equipment, and/ or processing conditions.
Document and present findings and suggest improvements
Create test designs including formulation and process variables and ability to correlate to impact on finished product for pilot and manufacturing trials.
Lead hands-on pilot scale trials
Have previous knowledge and develop deep expertise in critical parameters involved in the manufacturing of extruded ingredients as well as processes; lead operations on process changes to manufacture finished products within target specification for new products during trials.
Develop better practices, and standard operating instructions for high first pass quality within provided specification
Oversee R&D technical functions such as sensory, shelf life testing, legal label claims, product specifications, and nutritionals
Lead technical communication in the preparation of presentations and reports to communicate results internally and externally (customers)
Understands regulatory requirements and work to ensure compliance
Follows and enforces all safety policies and procedures including use of safety equipment (PPE) and equipment safeguards. Works to advance and promote the safety culture of the site
Performs other duties as assigned.